rap2016_ch17

Quiz for Document 17–4: Chief Joseph, Speech to a White Audience, 1879

Choose the best answer to each question.

1. Why did U.S. government officials insist that Chief Joseph and the Nez Percé leave their land?

The United States had bought the land from Chief Lawyer, leader of the tribe’s treaty council.

The U.S. government had already sold the land to a railroad and property developer.

The father of Chief Joseph had sold the land to the U.S. government in the 1850s.

U.S. officials insisted that the Nez Percés had no rights white Americans ought to respect.

2. Why did Chief Joseph’s father refuse to sign away land at the treaty council?

He wanted to hold out for a higher price.

He did not believe in land ownership.

He believed that white people and Indians should live together.

He was entangled in a land dispute with other bands of the Nez Percés.

3. How did Chief Joseph respond to demands that the Nez Percés relocate to a reservation?

He agreed to move his people, but postponed it as long as possible.

He vowed to remain and defend Nez Percés land.

He declared war on U.S. forces.

He tried to work out a compromise with the U.S. government.